Duffer’s Dabbles: Former Griffins Forward Miele Named USA Olympic Captain

Former Grand Rapids Griffins forward Andy Miele is captain of the USA Hockey squad at the Beijing Winter Olympic Games. In doing so, Miele is carrying on a Detroit Red Wings tradition. The team is known for supplying players who’ve worn the C for Team USA at the Olympic Games.

Former Wings defenseman Chris Chelios was USA captain at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 Winter Games. Those were the first three Olympiads involving NHL players. John Taft, a Red Wings defenseman from 1978-79, was USA Hockey’s captain at the 1976 Winter Games. Four years earlier, Tm Sheehy, who’d play for Detroit in 1977-78, was captain. The USA won a surprise silver medal at the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.

Looks like we're finding that chemistry! @Andy_Miele x @Brian22ONeill #WinterOlympics | #TeamUSA 🇺🇸pic.twitter.com/JDU3DnZAqp

— USA Hockey (@usahockey) February 10, 2022

Miele, from Grosse Pointe, Mich., was the leading scorer for AHL Grand Rapids during both of his seasons with the Griffins. In 2014-15 he produced 70 points. The 2105-16 campaign saw him counting 62 points.

Miele never earned a recall to the parent Red Wings. However, he suited up for 15 NHL games with the Arizona Coyotes. He was a four-year player at Miami (Ohio). During Miele’s freshman year of 2007-08, Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill was an assistant on the RedHawks staff.

Miele currently is playing for Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo of the KHL.

Griffins Alumni Prevalant In Beijing

Miele is among 13 former Grand Rapids players who are suiting up for the Olympic hockey tournament. They include former Red Wings such as Landon Ferraro (Canada), Valtteri Filppula (Finland), Tomas Jurco (Slovakia) and Jake Chelios and Ryan Sproul (China).

Berggren Nets OT Winner

Jonatan Berggren scored twice, including the overtime winner, as the Grffins down the Iowa Wild 4-3 on Thursday.

Another overtime, another Jonatan Berggren goal🚨 pic.twitter.com/drKi3ZDRyL

— Grand Rapids Griffins (@griffinshockey) February 11, 2022

Taro Hirose (1-1-2) was also enjoying a multi-point night for Grand Rapids.

Around The NHL

Detroit: Former Red Wings forward Frans Nielsen is a national hero in Denmark after his penalty-shot goal gave his homeland their first-ever Olympic hockey triumph.

Frans Nielsen on the PENALTY SHOT. 🚨

Watch on: @USA_Network and @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/5tNbTnS2nF

— Olympic Hockey on NBC (@NBCSportsHockey) February 9, 2022

Philadelphia: Defenseman Reijo Ruotsalainen, who’s banged up and forward Cam Atkinson (illness) are uncertain starters for the Flyers when Philadelphia plays the Red Wings Saturday afternoon in Detroit.

Piitsburgh: With backup goalie Casey DeSmith posting the shutout, the Penguins blanked the Ottawa Senators 2-0.

Boston: Without captain Patrice Bergeron (injury) and Brad Marchand (suspension) the Bruins recalled forward Jack Studnicka from AHL Providence.

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Washington: Pizza, Pepsi and Dr. Pepper? The diet plan of Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin isn’t what would be classified as the standard fare of today’s elite athlete.

San Jose: Acting GM Joe Will is insisting that Sharks forward Tomas Hertl, a potential UFA at season’s end, will be staying in San Jose long term.